An American archaeologist (Charlton Heston) is in Egypt with his pregnant wife, searching for the tomb of a long-lost Egyptian queen. At the same moment he discovers the tomb and opens it's accursed seal, his wife gives birth to his daughter. Years later it transpires that the malevolent spirit of the Egyptian queen left the tomb just as he was entering, and possessed his baby girl. As the truth becomes clear, the archaeologist realises that he must destroy his daughter in a ceremonial ritual, before she uses her awesome powers to threaten the safety of mankind.